Calling Colombo

HSBC Group is pumping US$ 30 mn to set up its seventh group service centre in Sri Lanka, which will generate employment and put the country on the map as a serious contender in the global call centre business.
Situated near the Chandra Silva stadium in Kotte, the call centre and back office unit would be the largest such operation in Sri Lanka employing nearly 2,000 people.













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rnWhile the new site is being built, the banking giant hopes to start off later this year at a makeshift location at the World Trade Centre.rn

rnHSBC has similar operations in India, China and Malaysia. India is the largest base with units located in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Vishakhapatnam.

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rnThe government is keen to get a slice on the global call centre business and recently amended labour laws to allow women to work night shifts.rn

rnTo secure the HSBC project, the Board of Investment had to beat off serious contenders like India. The Finance Ministry also chipped in, issuing a letter of comfort to give the project a